Howe Insurance Agency :: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently-Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about PERSONAL AUTO

1. My child received a learners permit to drive today. Can I add him as a new driver to my AUTO policy?
No, the insurance company will not add a driver to a policy until they have an actual driver’s license. However, your child will be covered while driving on a permit as long as he is driving with an operator who has been licensed for over one year

2. I recently moved to Massachusetts and obtained a new drivers license. Will I get credit for my good driving record from my previous license?
If you have been driving for more than six years you can get credit for your good driving record. You must provide your insurance agent with your driving record (in English) from your previous residence (either state or country) The company will then adjust your SDIP rating accordingly.

3. What is Compulsory automobile insurance?
In the state of Massachusetts you are required to carry minimum limits of liability of $20,000 per
person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $5,000 property damage to others, and uninsured motorists coverage, for $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. To properly protect yourself there are higher limits available.

4. Why must I carry Optional Bodily Injury if it’s not compulsory?
No, it is not compulsory, but it is certainly necessary. This coverage protects your guest occupants in your vehicle in the event of an accident. This coverage protects you out of Massachusetts. This coverage protects you when you are operating your vehicle on any non-public road or highway in the state of Massachusetts.

5. If go on vacation and rent a vehicle, must I purchase their insurance coverage or does my automobile insurance cover me?
Your personal automobile liability, collision and Comprehensive follow you to protect you should the vehicle you are operating be involved in an accident. Your deductibles, that you carry on your policy, would naturally apply. The only area of concern would be, should you have an accident and the rental vehicle became disabled, the rental company may come to you for reimbursement of their loss of use of the vehicle. Your policy does NOT protect you from this.

6. Why is my automobile insurance premium higher than my co-workers when we both insure with the came company?
There are many factors included when rating a vehicle for automobile insurance. The rate is based on the town in which the vehicle is garaged, the driving record of each operator, the year, make and model of the particular vehicle and, of course, the limits of liability the coverage's that you request.

Frequently Asked Questions about HOMEOWNERS

1 How do I decide what to insure my house for? My mortgage amount or the tax bill?
Surprisingly, neither. Your homeowner insurance is to cover you for the cost to replace your home from the foundation up. Market value or mortgage amount has no bearing on the insurance limit. We calculate our insurance limit by either a room count, a square footage costimator or an actual appraisal.

2. Does my homeowners policy cover my personal computer?
Yes, it is considered part of your contents. There are limitations to this coverage though such as if it is used in business-there is only a limit of $2,500 available and there is no coverage to reproduce any data. There are enhancements that you can add to your policy for an additional charge that will broaden this coverage.

3. Are my son’s/daughter’s personal belongings covered while they are away at college?
Yes, your homeowners policy extends to cover your child’s belongings while they are staying in a dormitory only. There is 10% of your contents coverage available to them in the event of a loss. If they are renting an apartment they must obtain their own tenants policy for coverage

4. Do I have coverage if I lose a piece of jewelry? No the standard homeowners policy does not cover your property due to “mysterious disappearance”. Personal property coverage is provided on a named peril basis and “mysterious disappearance” is not one of the named perils. You may purchase coverage by “scheduling” your valuable items. Please contact us to discuss scheduling your property

5. I work out of my home. Does my policy cover business property?
Yes, but with limits of coverage. Personal property that is used in any way for business
Is subject to a $2,500 limit while the property is on the residence property and a $250 limit while off the premises Also, please note that personal liability protection in your homeowners policy does not extend to business liability. Please consult us to ensure you have proper coverage.